What you like the most to read and know about? What you always wish to have a first hand knowledge of?

About me, Ranas and their history fascinate me the most. Their century-long oligarchic, absolute rule, long unchallenged absolute grip over state power, opulent and lavish lifestyle, thrilling stories of conspiracies and collusion staged against each other etc. etc. can easily thrill any earthling. Worse in their oligarchic corrupt rule, but their commitment to and preservation of the traditions of religious, social, cultural aspect of Nepali society is I think the best part of them.

What I love most about Ranas is even at the zenith of their absolute unchallenged power, they didn’t think of overthrowing monarchy which was largely undermined and overshadowded by their rule. I don’t think there could have been an uprisal against Ranas had they overthrown the monarchy. But, they remained loyal to the far weaker throne till their fall. They remained committed to the basic characters of Nepali socieity at that time. Ain’t it amazing?

Ranas were at least a little better than today’s satanic leaders.

………………..

Baburam Bhattrai is still struggling for his ideas against demonic Prachanda. Prachanda is the biggest curse for Nepal now. No matter how much power he consolidates, but people already hate him. But, days are not easy for Bhattarai too despite his immense popularity. He either shines as an only leader in Nepal or perishes into the dark conspiracies of Prachanda and his henchmen. Remain to see.

Wishing good and victory for Baburam Bhattarai for his struggle against satanic faction of Maoist!

Yeah, it’s better to suffer chaos and violence for good than relax in dead peace for bad.

What current Nepalese political scenario suggests? People are being terrorized by the leaders and so called ”analysts” that if the tenure of Constituent Assembly (CA) is not extended, Nepal will witness a suicidal situation it never saw before. I laugh off the suggestion. Sky won’t fall down. There would be no bloodshed (as much of blood is already shed during People’s War). The only force that could lead and mobilize any organised revolt is Maoists. But, Maoists themselves aren’t ready for violence anymore. So, there’s no possibility of such war and bloodshed. Sporadic incidents of violence is another thing and it’s still being carried out in different parts of the kingdom. And, about the ongoing chaotic condition, we’ve been living with this ”eternity” for decades, thanks to our loused up politics.

One thing is clear: Royal Nepalese Army just can’t risk its professional image by taking over the state power (after so called Jestha 14). Moreover, it’s not ”experienced” in such stuffs and I also doubt does it really have stomach for it? Being propped up, as has been talked, just doesn’t make sure it works out. But yeah, army’s ambition might have been heightened as speculation of army takeover has long been discussed. To fuel the ambition further, army is unnecessarily depicted as so called strong, centuries-old and stable institution.

Dissolve CA. It’s of no use. A true people’s constitution cannot be written with this constituent assembly till criminal NC and UML posses seats in it. It would only give legitimacy to criminal NC and UML for longer, if not dissolved now. About Maoists, they always can’t carry it just because it’s their ‘child’. Once seen (and also touted as panacea) as a true future-maker of Nepalis, CA has now fallen into the hands of counter-revolutionaries and regressive criminals and thugs.

I’ve since been opponent of CA when it was decided without the consent of monarchy. Let it fall and go for a ‘people’s revolt’. Is it viable? People’s revolt could have been possible had Maoists not halted their indefinite general strike and mass demonstration. I don’t think any such uprising again is possible in near future. Maoists did a great blunder by deferring the strike. Thing is not about what the world thinks and how it reacts. If people are in support of a revolt for good, Nepal could survive well with pride as another Cuba and NKorea. And, I think Maoists have with them a large number of people and the number is enough to make a revolt happen. But, do they have stomach for the revolt? I barely believe.

Yet, I welcome their decision to not extend the tenure of CA until a national reconciliation is reached.

Now, even if they’re geared up for the revolt (let’s assume), season is not favourable. It’s a beloved time for peasants to work in their field in rainy season. So, for now, such revolt seems to be a thing of far away.

Blames won’t be (and cannot be) targeted at Maoists for the demise of CA because most of the commoners don’t believe it could give them a good constitution, given the political chicanery they’ve been witnessing in the name of CA . Some few capitalist city population could think otherwise but they’re no longer decisive.

Constitution alone is nothing. We want prosperity, not mere leaves of paper. About the need of so called ‘institutionalization’ of peace process, constitution is not an only one means. We already wrote half a dozen of constitutions and they’re just wasted and spoiled. So, keeping CA, a boondoggle, alive and ‘functioning’ is only a squandering of people’s hard-paid taxes and the state coffer. So, without any delay, DISSOLVE IT or let it dissolve itself. Jestha 15 won’t be any different than today, so far I think.

If Jestha 15, by some way, incites strong public reaction, I would only see how the reaction would be addressed. If people take the revolt on for a true change, I would love and happily be a part of them.

I loved a statement made by Mani Thapa — a communist leader who defected Maoists some years ago, I think around 2063 — as to Maoists in a television talk-show that Prachanda and Baburam can no longer lead the revolution, given their abandonment of People’s War and foray into the parliamentary system and that a new force should take the lead to further the process of revolution. He says, different leaders and parties spearheaded the communist movement in different periods in it’s history of 60 years, and Prachanda and Baburam with their Maoists party also brought the movement to a new height through People’s War. And, now no more progress is possible from them and a new force should arise to assume the lead from where Maoists had left.

But, what could that ”new force” be? Mani Thapa’s ‘Revolutionary Left Wing’ is still in it’s infancy. Matrika Yadav is a true revolutionary, but he alone can’t get things done.

”UMLisation” of Maoists has left a big dent in the prospect of success of the communist revolution.

Yeah, top Maoists echelons have turned revisionists and reformists. However, despite all their ‘faults’ and shortcomings, we see no prospect of immediate rise of another leftist force that could overtake the Maoists and assume the lead.

Communism was pronounced ‘dead’ by it’s adversaries after the fall of Soviet Union in early 90s. Even the communists themselves seemed to be disappointed about the future of communism.

But, exceptions are always there to dent the whole.

Surprisingly, communist parties — though, they are in decline in other parts of the world — are popular in
Nepal. Existence of dozens of communist parties prove this fact. Far more than two-third
of Nepalis are communists, given the votes communist parties collected inCA election.

A communist revolution is possible in Nepal, if all
these communist parties unite to forge a single one. But it’s only a
sweet dream because they all are driven so badly by their petty
interests that such unification seems almost impossible.The recent mass movement was ‘historical’ in many ways, not only by it’s grandeur i.e. the largest gathering ever, nor a show of great discipline and restraint.

The unprecedented show of Hammer and sickle flags spells something that people truly desire.

Kathmandu and other major cities were drenched in red throughout the mass demonstrations, thanks to the beloved red flags of Hammer and sickle, emblem of communism. People didn’t even seem weary of holding the beloved flags aloft all the day in the scorching sun throughout those six days of protest. Why do they love Hammer and sickle so much? The unprecedented show of Hammer and sickle flags invoked the memories I still have left little in my mind that I collected from the stories of Chinese and Cuban revolutions in my preteen and early teen. I first read about the Chinese revolution in 7th grade, I think and it quickly fascinated me. Stories of red Hammer and sickle flags fluttering in every mountain, village, town; Red army marching carrying the flags etc. were enough to excite and influence my adolescent mind.

The unprecedented show of Hammer and sickle flags in the recent mass demonstration has, indeed, revived the glory of past communist revolutions (among Nepalis) and may also have inspired them for a true revolution that’s not yet done.

Watching those people toiling hard in the demonstrations all the day on TV, I started to feel whether I’m doing wrong. I felt, I can’t just be a spectator of the great movement. I always can’t stay within home. I always can’t watch their aspiration for change on TV whole day lying on my fluffy couch. They’re toiling hard for change whereas I’m enjoying the comfort within my home. This is not right. I’m doing something morally wrong. My conscience then woke me up and prodded me into taking part in the movement.

Yes, today, I took part in the movement.

Actually, a group of tens of thousands of people was passing, chanting slogans, through our area, and that I just couldn’t disregard the ocean of people and got assimilated into it. The mass demonstration then concluded at Mahendrapool, where several other groups from different parts had already converged for a tribute to deceased demonstrator Ganesh Subedi. Subediwas hit to death by a motorcyclist in Kathmandu. Maoists have given him the honour of martyr.

I’ve no inclination towards any political party (being royalist is something other). But I can’t ignore people. I can’t always be a mute spectator or supporter of their movement. Sometimes, you’re wanted for your active participation — not just moral and vocal — in certain circumstances. I felt it and went with my active participation.

Though all of them were unknown to me and I hate the sun, I enjoyed the demonstration. I had asked some of my friends to come with me, but none of them were eager to face the scorching sun. They instead love going boating with their girlfriends. They’re totally apolitical and I hate it. We can’t deny politics, because it affects every aspect of our life, let’s not mention the country’s. If they’re totally apolitical, then they have no moral ground to swear: ”politics is dirty game”.

The mass movement is going on quite enthusiastically in it’s 5th consecutive day, much to the shock and astonishment of the group of criminals ( I don’t call it government, it’s just a group of criminals and thugs) led by Madhav Nepal. Some instances of defiance are being reported, but that’s just a ploy of the the criminals to make things worse. People are not involved in such instances. Hooligans from sister youth organisations of NC and UML are carrying out these crimes. It’s true, people are somewhat disgruntled about the difficulties the strike brings them but they’re not yet ready nor in condition to defy and go against the movement and once fiercest (in a sense, the violence they meted out during People’s War) Maoists.

People can’t always stay within home. Sooner or later they need to come out. That means, they would pour into the streets in support of the movement to conclude it soon.

Even if thousands defy, there are already millions taking part in the
movement nationwide.

I see the prospect of the whole system change, not only the government. I suggest Maoists to use this enormous force to overthrow the system, not just this group of criminals. Turn it to a people’s revolt, not people’s movement. People has already moved far beyond the demand of resignation of MKN or even if they’ve not, they could easily be motivated for a revolt which will change the entire system. Don’t recall the movement — it’s not possible either — Instead, try ‘exploiting’ it to change the system. The real benefit for the proletariat is only possible with the overthrow of this system.

If Maoists are fighting for the Proletariat, then go for the people’s revolt/uprising. Or else, in this system, it’s plainly not possible. Reconciliation with the criminals NC and UML might bring some benefit for short, but for long term it turns out to be another betrayal. Capturing the state power with a victory of two-third in the election (as has said by Dr. Baburam Bhattarai) is only a sweet dream.

No compromise. Movements ended with compromises, such as of 2046 and 2062/63 have failed to deliver.

As the peaceful mass movement has reached it’s successful 3rd day; discussions, speculations and worries are being discussed and surfaced about the fate of the movement.

Antipathetic attitudes towards the movement speculate it’s eventual fall. They think the movement cannot be sustained for long, given — according to them — the adverse hot weather, health hazards, weary demonstrators, prospect of violence, possible public defiance and sturdy coalition of ruling parties and the government.

But, seeing the demonstrators and their passion for change, their agility and relentless campaign for the movement shows us a different picture.

If all those downtrodden, rural population or say ‘the Proletariat’, is the ultimate force to overthrow any repressive regime, then I see the prospect of success. Because no such mass participation from downtrodden and rural population had ever occurred before; not even in the April movement of 2062/63.

Yes, things could backfire. Things could take a U-turn. Maoists must be cautious while waging the protest. Peaceful demonstration till date has failed to put any pressure on the adamant government. This could bring a sort of frustrations among the demonstrators who, in the hope of a desired outcome, have taken part in the movement abandoning their essential works and risking their lives. Farmers — in the midst of hectic schedule of sowing of cereal crops, such as corn — have halted all that for the movement. So have others from different walks of life.

Why don’t Maoists then go violent, so it would put pressure on the government and help conclude the movement soon?

Peaceful demonstration can anytime turn violent. Some think, instances of scuffle help increase the stamina among the crowd. It heats up their blood, excites them. Every successful movement in the history in their final days have turned violent.

They’re not all wrong.

I don’t say anything. But if their peaceful demonstration repeatedly falls in deaf ears, no one can deny the prospect of violence. The April movement of 2062/63 had also turned chaotic in it’s final days which eventually culminated with a result. I don’t say Maoists can’t sustain the demonstration peacefully for long. But it’s an urgent need to keep alive the aspiration and ardour of people because people are already tired of series of never-ending movements since decades.

Every Maoist is a Nepali and every Nepali is Maoist. I’m saying this because they’re the ultimate force. I don’t acknowledge the presence of criminals Congress and UML anymore.

Learn From The World

Street movement is the ultimate means to topple a regime. Look at a recent uprising in Kyrgyzstan: President Kurmanbek Bakiyev fled the country after the protest in capital Bishkek forced him to step down. Bakiyev had came into power through 2005 ‘Orange Revolution‘. The protest was violent in it’s final days. Maoists could learn and get inspired from this too.

Another case is Thailand. Red Shirt protesters are blocking the streets of Bangkok for nearly two months. Though, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has refused to give in to them, those agile pro-Thaksin Sinawatra demonstrators are determined to make him resign. Those Red-Shirters are mostly brought to capital Bangkok from rural parts of Thailand. The case in Thailand and Nepal now is pretty much similar. Maoists could also learn from them to keep the movement going.

It’s often said that communists live with propaganda. But in Nepal, in present, the corrupt, criminal government is spreading ill propaganda against the movement. The abominable elites will see their own doom soon.

I think, changing the government should not be the only goal of this movement. Forming government again with those criminal Congressmen and UML-men will bring nothing good to Maoists themselves, people and the country. 9-months long tenure of Prachanda as prime minister has already proved this fact. They must turn it to a decisive movement — halt is not possible anymore — to eradicate all ills of the country. You can hint that I’m talking about capturing the state power. It’s not entirely impossible; if people are with you, you can subdue even the omnipotent god.

Exams were already deferred. After locking up of the VC’s office in a scuffle, exams for engineering department have halted. And, now the ongoing mass movement has pushed the date further to an uncertainty.

It’s been days and I’ve not yet finished reading ”The 2010 Time 100”. It’s a famous annual assessment of Time magazine, but I’m barely going through 10 (or even less than) people a day. Most in the list are Americans. Loads of figures from our neighbouring India are selected for top 100s.

Since May 1st, Nepali TV channels have consumed much of my daytime: The ocean of protesting people in Kathmandu has been so charming.

Media shapes almost everything in this age. It could play a decisive role in some particular instances, such as: a movement or protest program.

The ongoing mass movement has benefited largely from the media. It seems, the movement is being carried out more lively on TV screen than in the streets. This is the first mass movement to enjoy the intense media coverage (esp. on TVs) as many private TV channels and FM radio stations have sprouted up in recent years. And, the movement has provided them ”a large feast” to feast upon relentlessly. Television set is no longer an elusive electronic wonder for Nepalis even with little income and the extensive and exclusive coverage (of the movement) by TV channels has redefined the movement and has probably helped vault it to a new height too.

Media (esp. FM stations) had played an important role in the April movement of 2062/63.

Maoists have been critical of the mainstream media and have also been charged with assaults against mediapersons, for instance, the murder of journalist Birendra Sah, vandalism at Himalmedia office etc. to name a few. I agree, most of Kathmandu-based media houses are invested by the elites and are generally considered biased against the Maoists. But, this time, these media — inadvertently but for the ultimate benefit of the movement — are paying big attention to the movement, covering the happenings throughout the day extensively. It could also be true that ”news-starved” gratuitous number of TV channels have found a ‘lucrative business’ in the movement.

Will Maoists give up their animosity towards the media esp. TV channels and think them as a ‘partner’? They can’t disregard their ‘contribution’ to the movement.

What about the new media? This movement is not going to parallel the so called ”Green movement” in Iran last year. During that movement, intense use of Twitter and Facebook had helped stoke the protest against the President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the theocratic establishment. Eventually, that so called movement withered away and now it’s in comatose. It, I believe, was actually a campaign backed by the West and led by Mir Hussain Mousavi, former prime minister.

The role of new media is almost not noticeable, given the nascent number of netizens. However, we can’t deny it’s influence among Nepalis communities in abroad.